International financial and legal instruments for the reconstruction of energy infrastructure after armed conflicts

Issue: № 6, 2026

Doi: https://doi.org/10.37634/efp.2026.6.8p

Introduction. The full-scale armed aggression of the Russian Federation has caused unprecedented damage to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. According to the joint Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA5) of 23 February 2026, direct damage in Ukraine has exceeded USD 195 billion, with total reconstruction needs estimated at nearly USD 588 billion; the energy sector alone accounts for almost USD 91 billion. State resources are insufficient, which makes the legal framework for attracting international financing crucial. The purpose of the paper is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of international financial and legal instruments for the reconstruction of energy infrastructure after armed conflict, to identify their legal nature and forms of consolidation in national and international law, and to develop an author’s definition together with de lege ferenda proposals. Results. The paper examines the programmes of the IMF, the World Bank Group, the EBRD, the EIB, MIGA, as well as EU instruments (Ukraine Facility, Ukraine Energy Support Fund), the novel G7 ERA Loans mechanism based on revenues from immobilised Russian sovereign assets, and bilateral instruments such as the 2024 Ukraine–US Memorandum of Understanding. The author proposes an original definition of “international financial and legal instruments for the reconstruction of energy infrastructure” and substantiates amendments to the Law of Ukraine “On Critical Infrastructure”. Conclusion. Systematisation of such instruments at the legislative level will ensure legal certainty, strengthen donor coordination and enhance the effectiveness of attracted funds. Effective post-war reconstruction is feasible only through a comprehensive combination of national and international instruments in compliance with the Lugano Principles of transparency, accountability, the rule of law and sustainable recovery.

Keywords : energy infrastructure, post-war recovery, international financial and legal instruments, international financial organisation, Ukraine Facility, ERA Loans, guarantee mechanisms, MIGA, critical infrastructure, energy security

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